Seriously is it just me?
 

I read all these posts about buying sewing machines for thousands of dollars and I wonder what is it about that machine that you would spend that kind of money for it? Are you using it for something other than piecing and FMQ, I guess I just think why wouldn't you buy a long arm machine at least it would pay for itself in the long run. A friend of mine bought a brand new Bernina that she put on a frame and uses it as a long arm it's too heavy to take on and off the frame so I just don't get it. I know you all will be able to help me understand. TIA.

Some just don't have the budget for it at the time. Some don't have the space. Every situation is different. Some machines can be a little more technical than others want to get into. Seriously, it all boils down to many factors. Some people will never understand. It's also just a matter of preference. Some with larger machines are in it for the money, maybe their only source of income, therefore the larger machines. Again every situation is different. Not hard for most people to understand.

Why? I don't have room for a long arm machine and have no interest in quilting for others even if I did have the room. I want to experience everything my machine can do from piecing a quilt, sewing heirloom garments, machine embroidery and quilting. I figure after raising a family, and working most of my life I deserve it!

some people just have a lot of money to spend on something so it's a machine. I have a handful of machines. I have an emb only machine, a sew only that I use mainly, a serger that needs to be fixed. for clothing and such. For years I sewed without a serger. it was gifted to me. I use a cheap $199 machine. it sews ag good as a more expensive one. I do use my fancy stitches all the time.

I have no interest in a long-arm and don't have room for one. I paid $1000 for my Pfaff in 1998. Have never regretted that decision. I like the extra features, special stitches, and the quality of the machine. Before that I sewed on a $200 Kenmore and hated it. I also have a Viking Mega Quilter that I love and a Viking Quilt Designer that I sort of love (except for it having a problem right now).

My mother said she paid $300 for her Singer in 1955. In today's dollars that is equivalent to about $2,100.

Right now I don't have the funds to buy an expensive machine but I don't regret the ones I bought when I did have the money.

We all have different priorities.

We all have a different line in the sand of what is worth it and what is "no way that's too much." Sometimes it has to do with actual budget as in "I cant afford that" or maybe it's "I can afford it but can't justify it to myself" and other times its about "I can afford it I want it it dosen't bother me to spend for it.". My machine is a good quality brand at a decent price I could afford in cash and justify to myself knowing I would never regret spending that money on it. I drooled over one almost 3 times as much but just could not justify it to myself. I do not like buying things on credit and I would have had to in order to buy the other machine. But that's me and my husbands choice in the way we do things it works for us. FYI I do not regret my decision but I still drool over that machine every time I go in there.

However when it comes to fabric I love to buy good quality if I can get it on sale then awesome if not but its what I want I'll pay 7.50 9.00 or even 12.00a yard and won't blink an eye. where others would never dream of paying those prices no matter how perfect the fabric is, for the same reasons stated above. Do I buy less if I'm paying the higher prices? Oh absolutly but I made a conscience decision to spend that part of my budget on less fabric.

Everybody has a budget and we all decided where we are comfortable allocating the bulk of our "fun" money. Is it the fancy pants machine, or the fabric? Is it the sewing room itself or the furniture in it? Is it a boat or a travel trailor?

Its almost impossible to understand someone else's reasons for what they buy and at what cost just because it's not worth it to me or you dosen't mean it's not to them.

For many years, I sewed on a Sears Kenmore (bought in 1977). After quilting a twin-sized quilt on it, I began longing for a machine with a wider throat. It wasn't until years after that, when my trusty Kenmore starting giving me trouble, that I seriously began thinking of spending the extra money for my 'dream' machine. Kept putting it off, until my husband finally convinced me to just go ahead and splurge on myself . . . so I bought a Janome 7700 (and LOVE it). Yes, it cost more money than I'd ordinarily spend on a machine . . . but dh and I are very careful with our spending and no one had to go without food, as a result of my purchase. We don't take expensive vacations, if we take a vacation at all. I'm now in my 60s and if not now, when?

:) to each his own, or whatever -- I piece on a 1978 Kenmore, wind bobbins on a 1990 Singer, and quilt on a 1932 Singer 15-91 -- it works for me -- I think I would be intimidated by a $$$$ machine with all the bells and whistles and the required maintenance and its computer etc.-- and I don't want a LA or have room for one!! -- but that's just me!!

My first sewing machine (OK, not my very first LOL) was a Huskvarna Sapphire. I loved it, used it for a year, but wanted more. So I traded it in for a Husqvarna Topaz30 - Embroidery, Quilting, fancy stitches, does everything but the dishes.

I LOVE my machine.

I'm not married, don't have kids, and make good money. So why wouldn't I want to buy something that gives me great pleasure to sew a fabulous quilt, put some embroidery on it, be able to quilt it at home ...

I have very few things that I take pleasure in, and one of them is quilting!

i would never question a person's decision to stick with the simplest, least expensive machine they can find.

i don't really understand why anybody would question my decision to get the best i can afford.
i have worked hard all my life.
so i felt entitled to treat myself to all the bells and whistles i could squeeze out of my budget.
it's that simple.

If you can afford it and it makes you happy then you don't need to justify the cost to anyone. This is how I feel about my treadle. Did I need another machine? No but it was one of the best gifts I've ever given myself. I hope everyone feels the same about their machine no matter the cost.

I bought a Brother, Laura Ashley, Innovis, NX-2000 two years ago with my husband's help. I don't have the budget for a long-arm & have no desire to quilt other people's quilts. I can't keep up with my own! This machine was $2200.00 & worth every penny!! My little machine is also a Brother & is my travel machine, but only has about a 5" throat. My NX-2000 was designed by a Quilter for Quilters, came with everything I'd need to quilt right out of the box. I did research all the major brands for a year before getting the NX, but none came close to the quality & features for the price.

I have never in my life said out loud 'I can't afford that'. I may know I can't but I will never say it. Saying it makes it true and I'll never have it. I just tell myself one day I will have that. I have been around others that say Oh I can't afford that or it's too expensive for my blood and it does nothing but bring negativity to the whole idea. I just keep my mouth shut and wish they would too. As far as a new high end machine. 99% of my quilting is straight stitching. That's all I will use on the machine that cost thousands so I haven't felt the need to want one. I never feel guilty about spending money on myself either. My DH and kids never felt guilty, that sunk in after a few years of giving up what I wanted for them to get what they wanted. That way of thinking stopped for me.

For me its space and funds, I bought my dreamweaver because I am the primary breadwinner and all my money goes to my childs education and needs so I figured for all the hard work I do I deserve at least one nice thing for taking care of my family. I don't spend often on myself unless I work overtime or get a bonus so that is why I bought a nice machine for me. Yes its a lot of money but I figure I'm worth it

Arianna, I've read your post a few times, trying to make sure I am understanding you. Are you asking why someone would sink a lot of money into a DSM, as opposed to a similarly-priced LA that has potential to pay for itself via a business? If so, then what did you mean about the Bernina? That it shouldn't be on a frame when it can do a lot of other things? If that's it, then I'd think you would like it that the Bernina could potentially pay for itself as a LA.

From the responses, it looks like the posters think you are asking why pay a lot for a DSM when you could spend it elsewhere. Which is a different question altogether. Maybe you could elaborate?

Hugs,
Charlotte

I pain $1099 for my Janome 6600. I don't have the space in my house for a longarm or the money to purchase one... Maybe someday I could fit something on a frame, but not at this point.

I totally agree with what you are saying. I have been quilting on my Bernina 1530 since the early 90s when she was the top of the line. Bought it new for just under $1,000. I have always had to be frugal with my income but if you can afford, then go and enjoy it !!

I love to do machine embroidery and my Viking Ruby is worth every penny I paid for her! I also have a plain jane machine that is wonderful if all I wanted to do was piece quilt tops. No, I do not believe people should go into debt to buy a sewing machine. Mine was a treat AFTER we had finished putting all three of our kids through college.

I think it's interesting that when most people hear "longarm", they think you're going to quilt for other people and/or make some kind of business out of it. Honestly I made that assumption too... a friend of mine bought one and I made that statement to her, and she pretty much said, no way, this machine is for ME! Her husband owns a business and they've got the money so she had no qualms about it. And I say good for her! I can't afford it myself (actually, wouldn't want a standing longarm but I'm drooling over some of the new sit-down longarm machines...LOL) so I live vicariously through my friends! :)

I spend a lot more time in front of my sewing machine that I do in my car. I have a 2001 pacifica that I bought new, I think it was about 28K. If I divided my hours behind the wheel by the price, I'd have the real value I think.

If I divide the price of my Janome 8900 by the hours I've used it, it comes out pretty cheap as a tool and as entertainment.
So does anyone ever say why did you pay so much for a car? :)

And just walking by a long arm machine makes my back hurt!

My "seriously, is it just me" question would be Keffe Facett (sorry about the spelling)
The frenzy just leaves me amazed ;)

I was you until I got a job at a Bernina dealer's shop. They made there real money by doing custom sewing and alterations. Not only did I learn a lot, even though I have been sewing since I was 12 but I fell in love with the Bernina machines. The first one I purchased was the first stand alone embroidery machine Bernina sold. With my employee discount I was able to purchase it at a reasonable price. I have since invested at least $1000 in additional software for it. I used it so much I purchased another stand alone embroidery machine, this time a Brother. The only reason I went with that brand is that Bernina had changed their embroidery format away from the PES. All of the newer software would not work in my old machine. At this point I own a Bernina Artista 185 which I got in trade for my first Bernina sewing machine plus a little more money, a Bernina 240 sewing machine, much lighter in weight and portable, for workshops etc. the Bernina embroidery machine, a Brother embroidery machine and a Bernina high end serger. I do a lot of charity sewing. I make at least 20 Linus quilts a month and a lot of Pillowcase dresses for a charity that gives them to children and teen girls in third world countries. Being clothed helps prevent rape. I also own a Singer Featherweight I found at yard sale in mint condition. I got it for $20. My mother owned a Featherweight that she purchased in 1935 and brought with her from Illinois when she meet and married my father. I learned to sew on it and so did my nieces. I let them have it when she died as I had the other machines by that time. Sewing is my one vice so I treat myself by using the best machines I know of. I am a hand quilter. The only quilts I do on the machine are the ones for Linus as they will be washed and cared for by persons not likely to know much about real quilts.

I had to debate for a long while before spending $1400 on my machine. And the main reason I got it was for the larger throat space. But I know there are machines that cost as much as a new car and I could never justify that. Not because we don't have the money but because I think it would be better spent on other things.

as for the car, it's a necessity for our entire family, not just for me. And I do spend more time in it than I do at my machine (I have 3 kids, all with various activities). I feel like I can make the same quality stuff with my $1400 machine as I would with a $10K machine but a smaller and cheaper car may not be as efficient or as safe as what we have.

Everyone has different priorities. I want the bells and whistles, I can afford it. We all have our "things" I don't have or want jewelry, fancy cars or a fancy house - but I sure do want a fancy sewing machine!

If there was one feature I really wish I had .. it would be a larger throat area. Once I figured out I would never really get the value from the embroidery machine... I have been on the hunt for a industrial machine. I have a vintage 306W in a cabinet that I just love and Viking 500 ,purchased over 20 years ago. The industrial will give me a much bigger throat at a much lower cost than the big throat domestic machines that have bells and whistles I may never use , or rarely use.

My husband said if I wanted a new, large machine I'd better get it before he retired. I figured this would be my last machine. (Yeah right!) I wanted a sit down machine set in a large table with a large throat space that I could use for piecing, FMQ and other types of sewing like clothing or home dec. My smaller Bernina made me happy except for the throat space (which I complained about A LOT). I'm not interested in standing up to long arm or doing things for hire.

A Sweet 16 with a large table is starting to call to me. I hate layering quilts for FMQ. My husband is still working....and I AM expanding my sewing space...!

It's all in how you want to spend your money. Many years ago a friend at work brought down this name brand small basket with a cloth liner and plastic divider for silverware on a picnic. She had bought it at a part. The guys in the control room were giving her no end of grief over how much she spent on it. She asked me if I thought it was worth it and my answer was no. I also said you are talking to someone that spent 5 times that having two teddy bears made out of my aunts mink jacket as keepsakes! It's all about how you want to spend your money and what is important to you.

Back when my ancestors were making quilts, the 'real' quilts were made to hold up to washing and lots of children. Those who had sewing machines used them . . . and it certainly didn't make their quilts any less real. :D

SO true! For instance...I don't understand why people would spend hundreds of dollars on going out to eat...but they do...all the time.

I love KalamaQuilts line about Kaffe Fassett - I totally agree. Yet there are obviously thousands of people who love his style.

In 1985, expecting our first child, I bought a Kenmore. Although it had no fancy features, it was a stretch for us financially. I wanted to make clothing and nursery things with it. By no means was I an inexperienced sewer - I grew up in 4-H and did a lot of garment sewing.

In 1991, my father died unexpectedly at the age of 50 1/2 years old. Long story short, in an attempt to keep the farm in the family, I gave my brother (over several years, as tax laws then allowed) much of my inheritance. The one thing that I did buy for myself was a Bernina 153QE. I still have, and love, that machine. I've had a Janome Jem Platinum that I got to take to classes and retreats as the Bernina - all metal except the housing - is quite heavy. Actually, I still have it, but don't use it - I should get rid of it!

At around $2,000, this machine is now down to under $200/year. I do take it in every couple of years for a thorough clean and check, about $65.

When DD's cat lived with us, he somehow knocked the machine, at the time sitting on a table, onto a concrete floor. I'll never know how he did it - he weighed about 10 lbs and the machine over 25... He had - has - a lot of issues and has "fits" where he just runs wild. Anyhow - other than a very small crack in the plastic housing, there was absolutely no damage. Obviously, I wouldn't recommend anyone give this a try - and I'm certainly not going to offer to do it. But I don't for a moment think that a less expensive, mainly plastic machine would have survived, let alone unscathed.

This machine sews like a dream. It doesn't eat triangles, handles unbelievable bulk (multiple layers of terry and heavy flannel when making a hooded baby towel was absolutely no problem) and is just plain reliable.

Many friends go out to dinner at least once a week, spending a minimum of $30 and usually more. We don't smoke, rarely drink, and almost never "go shopping." Those are all things that plenty of people do that I just don't get - because they don't appeal to me. I don't understand people who spend lots of money on tattoos, jewelry or expensive hair styles.

We recently got rid of a car with almost 150,000 miles on it, which is pretty typical for us. We buy cars that have good repair/reliability records and drive them until it is no longer financially wise to do so. That means that we do not have a beautiful new car every few years - it's at least 12 years between new cars. We don't get big SUV's that use a lot of gas.

I also think that most of the people who are buying the more expensive machines are at a point in their lives when they are better able to do so. Our children are grown, though college, and have established their own homes and lives.

Basically, what I'm saying is what many others have said: How anyone chooses to spend their money is a personal decision. For me, that means that there aren't a lot of things I spend money on. When I do spend money, I will buy the best quality that gets me the features I'm looking for and expect to enjoy that purchase for a long time.

That was a funny-to-me comment.

I came into quilting late in the overall scheme of things and I can no more imagine making a quilt by hand than I can making a skirt by hand. I could, I suppose, but I can't imagine it, unless something catastophic happened and I HAD to. Even then, I'd think that a machine made skirt would be stronger.

I guess I am really "new school" because I really don't care for hand-pieced and hand-quilted (anything) that much--except as a novelty item.

Definitely!!!!!!!

I have to agree with PatriceJ.

Although I have only been sewing for about 23 years, I feel as if
I have worked hard for my money, and the only person I feel the
need to justify my reasoning for a mid-range priced machine (both
my combo sewing/embroidery machines cost over $1000 to $2500)
is my hubs who DOES make the finally decision on my getting a newer,
and better machine.

He DOES know what my 3 "dream" machines are maybe someday
that will come true, but not exactly expecting them to be under any
tree in my near future.

I agree. I bought a used Pfaff 1471 and I had to try it all. I even learned to program stitches by B00L00. Taught myself a lot. I still have a Pfaff, and I got the PQ 1500 for straight stitching and harp. I use both. I sew clothes, so I also have a serger and coverstitch.

If someone has to question why someone spends thousands of $ on a machine, it sounds like they are not needing the features of a TOL machine. I'd suggest visiting a local dealer to test drive some of these machines to see what you are not understanding or know about. Some people only need a straight stitch machine while others are needing a variety of stitches and flexibility with their sewing for projects. If you can get by with a $10 vintage machine that's great, but there are many people who don't want their creativity inhibited by the limits of their machines. I have $10 machines and I have TOL machines. Both have their places and uses in my sewing hobby.

I guess to some I'd be considered spoiled. I have my Pfaff that I bought on layaway in 1990 for $1500...tons of money for a single mom of 2 at that time, but I worked and paid on it until it was mine and I could bring it home. I still wouldn't trade that machine for anything and use it constantly for most things.

Fast forward 30 years... I wanted a small embroidery machine to make 1" letters for some purses and was happy to consider the small Brother embroidery machines. My husband of not too many years went into the local sewing machine shop several times without me knowing it and looked them over before I went in. I had decided on the low end one on the right and he kept walking to the high end one on the left...we left with his choice of machines a Brother 2800 D for around $4,500 by the time he got done with threads and stablizers. He actually used it more at first than I did.

The next year he decided if I was going to piece the quilt tops, then he wanted them to be entirely made by me and insisted we needed a long arm...again going into the shop for information about the Pfaff Grand Quilter 18. I kicked and hollered that I didn't need a machine like that and he thought otherwise. It now sits in our remodeled sewing area after taking up the front room for over a year.

This spring he saw the sales on the new Brother machines and really thought we needed the bigger hoop area (the one we had was 6x10 max) so we traded the 2800D in and got a Quattro 2 upgrade.

Never ever ever would I have dreamed we'd spent over $15,000 on sewing machines let alone spend it within 4 years.

We don't justify it to anyone...our kids are grown, we both work at full time jobs and enjoy using all of the machines. Would a cheaper one work? Yes but if he wants to invest in machines he enjoys then that's a choice I can leave with.
All I'd like is for everyone to be happy with the machines they have and be happy that others have the ones they have also.

I was shocked to see how much I had spent on my first sewing machine. It was over $300 for a Singer touch n sew in the early to mid-70's. I was a student and didn't have extra money for much of anything. I needed to sew clothes for myself because I needed to add 2-4" to the length of pants, and 2" to the length of tops. Storebought clothes at that time frame were seriously too short.

I have had several people make comments about my machines and my cars. I sold my 2000 Ford Windstar and purchased a new-to-me 2007 Mercedes Benz. I just recently traded my Brother Quattro for a Babylock Destiny. Why? Because I wanted them. No children at home, I went back to work for 7 years and saved every penny, and husband always wants me to be happy. Piecing quilts is a very-very small part of my sewing/craft/playing. I can rent time on a long arm machine from a local dealer. $25.00 per hour and I do not have to make payments on the entire machine. Nor am I "expected" to work for others to "justify" to people why I should have any machine. ( about 2 days after I got my Destiny, I had someone say she needed several pants hemmed and a jacket needing a new zipper. I Should be happy to do all this work "in order to pay for that over-priced machine". She was so surprised when I told her it was paid for before it left the store. So was the car. That surprised her too, since she had a car half the price with a 5 year note on it. People have different needs and different finances. I don't understand people spending hundreds of dollars for a purse. But, if they enjoy it, why not?

In 1933 a Singer Featherweight was a huge expense for depression families, but women saved their egg money and made clothes for their families or others to make money. I think in comparison, the cost is similar. Back in the mid1990s, my husband bought me a new Janome 9000 for half price (marked down because the 10000 was coming out.) We looked around at machines, and loved the quiet sound of it, so I could sew while we watched TV. I love the shape of it - rounded and sweet. And we felt the high quality made it worth what it cost. Hubby used some of the small inheritance he got when his mother died, and has always been pleased for me to have such a good machine. I don't use the embroidery features as much as I thought I would, but my Jan is still my treasure. Makes me sad when people tell me it's outdated, because it's still humming along beautifully with minimal maintenance.
Back then we were both working and the chicks had left our nest. I agree that everyone has a standard of what to spend and what they want. Go with your heart!

I bought the Janome 7700 because of all the features and that it had a wide throat so I could quilt on it. Previous to that I had an inexpensive Janome ($400) and had had it for about 10 years. A teacher in a quilt workshop said it was not much more than a toy. (I was offended.) Now the girls in my quilt class are trying to talk me into buying an embroidery machine. I know they do lovely work but as I say to them I want to learn everything my7700 has to offer. It makes me happy and for straight stitch I still have my toy.